Sphinx Moth - Pink Wings
by Terri Mills
Title
Sphinx Moth - Pink Wings
Artist
Terri Mills
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
©Terri Mills
Description taken from the book - Florida's Fabulous Butterflies with a special chapter on moths.
These moths are also called hawk moths because their wings resemble hawk's wings in shape, and because of their strong flight and hovering ability. They can attain airspeed of up to 25 mph. Their wings beat almost as fast as a hummingbirds.
The abdomen of a sphinx moth usually tapers down to a sharp point. The fore wings are much larger than the small, triangular-shaped hind wings, and the antennae are usually thicker in the middle. The patterns on the wings help conceal it from predators during the daytime.
Sphinx moths extract nectar while hovering in front of deep-throated flowers, much like hummingbirds.Their wings beat so rapidly that they make a humming sound. Their tongues are very well developed and my be twice as long as their body. Most likely seen drinking nectar in this manner at twilight and may be mistaken for a hummingbird. Sometimes while sipping nectar, their head and body get dusted with pollen and may be transferred to the next flower. They are usually attracted to pale colored flowers.
In the entire state of Florida - usually seen between May to July, August to November (two broods). Wingspan: 3.5 - 4.2 inches. Caterpillar food: evening primrose.
Sphinx moth caterpillars almost always have a large horn at the tip of their abdomen but are otherwise naked, without hairs or other physical ornamentation. Most Sphinx moth caterpillars pupate in the soil and the pupae have a jug-like form. There are many species of sphinx moths in Florida, including some tropical species from the West Indies with a very limited range in this state. Tobacco and tomato horn worms are part of the sphinx moth group.
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September 8th, 2011
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